‘We have seen greater balance between the regions, with increases in sales prices and sales rates outside of the strong London and South East markets,’ he said. ‘Visitor levels have continued to be strong and confidence remains good amongcustomers.’

Rightmove reported a 32per cent rise in first half profits to £58.8million after inquiries on its website rose 27per cent to a record 22.3million.

Chief executive Nick McKittrick said: ‘Rightmove’s popularity goes from strength to strength, with home hunters visiting more often and looking at more property than ever.

‘The importance of our brand to the British home-moving public is stronger than ever with nine out of 10 home-movers wanting their property to be advertised on Rightmove.’

The company saw revenues rise 20per cent to £80.4million and raised its interim dividend by 2p to 13p a share. Shares fell 31p to 2234p.

Travis Perkins, which owns Wickes, said profits rose 14per cent to £153.7million on the back of an 11.5per cent increase in revenues to £2.7billion. It proposed an interim dividend of 12.25p a share, up from 10p last time around, and the stock rose 44p to 1689p.

Chief executive John Carter said: ‘People tend to do the house up before they move and do a little bit of work when they move in. That is good for our business.’